SSS Development

Requirements to Develop a Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS) Recovery System for MirrorWallet

Developing a Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS) recovery system in MirrorWallet requires a combination of cryptographic libraries, backend infrastructure, front-end integration, and security measures. Below is a structured breakdown of what you will need.


1. Cryptographic Foundations

To implement Shamir’s Secret Sharing, you will need: SSS Algorithm: A cryptographic library that supports SSS, such as:

  • Python: pyseltongue, secretsharing, Shamir’s Secret Sharing in PyCryptodome

  • JavaScript: shamir, secrets.js-grempe

  • Rust: shamir crate

  • Go: github.com/hashicorp/vault/shamir

Threshold Configuration: Allow users to choose the number of shares (N) and the minimum required shares (K) for recovery.

Encryption of Shares: Before distributing shares, encrypt them to prevent exposure if a share is leaked. AES-256 or Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) can be used.

Key Management System (KMS): Store and retrieve shares securely, using hardware security modules (HSMs) or blockchain-based storage.


2. Backend Infrastructure

The backend is responsible for generating, distributing, storing, and recovering the secret shares.

Programming Language & Frameworks:

  • Node.js (Express, NestJS) for JavaScript-based backends

  • Python (Django, FastAPI, Flask)

  • Rust (Rocket, Axum) for high security

  • Go (Gin, Fiber) for performance

Database for Share Metadata:

  • PostgreSQL / MySQL: Store user recovery configurations.

  • MongoDB: Store encrypted key shares in a NoSQL format.

  • Redis (optional): Store temporary recovery session data.

Secure Key Storage Options:

  • Decentralized Storage (IPFS, Arweave, Sia)

  • Cloud-Based (AWS KMS, Google Cloud KMS, Azure Key Vault)

  • On-Device Storage (encrypted, for user-controlled storage)

Share Distribution Mechanism:

  • QR codes, encrypted email links, or blockchain-based smart contracts to send shares securely.

Recovery Mechanism:

  • A process to verify user identity (social recovery, time-delay authentication, etc.).

  • A method to combine available shares and regenerate the private key.


3. Frontend Integration

The user interface should allow:

Initial Recovery Setup

  • Let users generate and distribute their shares easily.

  • Provide a dashboard to see who holds a share and manage trust.

Recovery Process

  • A secure way to request shares from trusted contacts.

  • A system to verify received shares and reconstruct the wallet key.

Technology Choices

  • React.js / Next.js for web

  • Flutter / React Native for mobile

  • Electron for desktop wallet applications


4. Security Measures

Because this system deals with private key recovery, security is critical.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)

  • Allow users to confirm they have valid shares without revealing them.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Ensure that only the wallet owner can trigger the recovery.

Biometric Authentication

  • If a user loses access to biometrics, they should still be able to recover via shares.

Time-Locked Recovery

  • Prevent immediate unauthorized recovery by requiring a waiting period for recovery.

Tamper Detection

  • If an attacker tries to use compromised shares, flag the recovery attempt.


5. Optional: Blockchain Integration

To add decentralized verification, consider:

Smart Contracts

  • Store share metadata and verify trusted participants on a public blockchain.

  • Example: Ethereum (Solidity), Solana (Rust), or Polygon.

Decentralized Identity (DID)

  • Allow users to prove their identity without relying on centralized databases.

  • Use DID standards (e.g., W3C, Ceramic, ION on Bitcoin, Polygon ID).


6. Testing and Deployment

Once the system is built, rigorous testing is required.

Unit & Integration Testing

  • Validate the correctness of share generation, encryption, and recovery.

  • Use tools like Jest, Mocha (for JavaScript), PyTest (for Python).

Security Audits

  • Perform penetration testing to find vulnerabilities.

  • Use bug bounty programs to strengthen security.

Deployment

  • Use Docker + Kubernetes for scalability.

  • Choose a cloud provider (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) with strong security.


Conclusion

Building a Shamir’s Secret Sharing-based recovery system for MirrorWallet requires expertise in cryptography, backend security, frontend development, and decentralized technologies. This approach removes reliance on seed phrases, enhances security and user trust, and also drives organic user growth through the network effect.

Would you like a detailed architecture diagram or a prototype implementation? 🚀

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